Toledo, OH, Oct. 8, 2024 – The Boards of the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce (TRCC) and Toledo Area Small Business Association (TASBA) have voted to support the following levies that will appear of the November 5th general election ballot. 

Issue 19 – TOLEDO CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT 

Toledo Public Schools is seeking a new 5.8-mill levy for school improvements and operating expenses. Funding will help support the Scott Park campus that will house programs in Business, Construction and Engineering, and Education and Social Services.

Issue 28 – TOLEDO-LUCAS COUNTY PORT AUTHORITY 

The Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority’s 0.4-mill levy remains unchanged since its introduction and is up for a five-year renewal. Levy revenue helps to provide local matches for state, federal, and other outside funds the port authority brings in to support facilities upgrades, as well as supports numerous programs which provide access to, or lower the cost of, capital for businesses to create or retain jobs. 

ISSUE 29 – AREA OFICE ON AGING

The agency is seeking the renewal of its 0.75-mill, 5-year property levy, plus an increase of 0.25 mills, for a total of 1.00 mills. The current levy is set to expire at the end of this year. Lucas County is experiencing unprecedented growth in its senior population (60+). The agency states that renewal of the levy and the request for an increase is necessary to continue to provide funding for nutrition, home care, Alzheimer’s day care, and senior services and facilities.

Issue 30 - LUCAS COUNTY CHILDRENS SERVICES 

Lucas County Children Services is seeking a 1.5-mill, 5-year property tax. The funds generated from this levy are essential for LCCS to remain solvent to fulfill its mandate to provide services to the children of Lucas County. Placement costs have risen more than 58% over the last two years. LCCS estimates that costs will reach $19 million in 2024. The rise in costs can be attributed to the passage of the Family First Prevention Act by adding additional regulations that increase the financial burden to public agencies.

“In order for the Toledo Region to continue to grow and prosper, it is vital that we support the work of organizations in our community that directly impact workforce development and taking care of individuals who are the most vulnerable,” said Wendy Gramza, President & CEO of the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Issue 24 – TOLEDO LUCAS COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY

The Toledo-Lucas County Public Library is seeking approval for a 1.0-mill, 30-year bond issue. The money generated from this levy would be used for renovations, reconstruction, or construction projects to be completed in accordance with their Facilities Master Plan.

The Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce Board voted to not support Issue 24. This should not be seen as a reflection on the valuable resources that the Library provides, but rather the strain already being placed on limited community resources at this time.

These levies were reviewed by the Chamber's Levy Review Subcommittee, which researches and studies levy requests and makes recommendations to other Chamber committees, culminating with the Chamber Board.

The levy review process ensures that levy requests are examined by a broad cross-section of the Chamber's membership and reflect the views of the business community. The Chamber's comprehensive levy review process includes presentations by the agencies making the request, an examination of the impact of the levy request on both the agency and taxpayers, and a review of agency financials to better understand the need behind the request.

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The Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce, serving a membership of 2,000 businesses, solves critical business challenges in order to create vibrant economic opportunities for all in our region.

Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce |

300 Madison Ave., Ste. 200 Toledo, OH 43604

419.243.8191 | joinus@toledochamber.com | www.toledochamber.com